Here is a letter from J.W. Johnson to P.W. “Will” Pearson and Clara. It is typed on the letterhead of the Albany County National Bank, where J.W. is listed as the Vice-President.
Just to refresh everyone’s memory, J.W. Johnson was Clara’s uncle. He came to America in 1869 , had many “wild west” adventures, and then in 1875 sent for his sister Gustafva and her family to come to Carbon, Wyoming. Clara was the first of the Brodd children to be born in America.
Clara would have known Uncle J.W. while she was growing up in Carbon. She also would have had contact with him through the years in Nebraska, since J.W. purchased farm land in Saunders County. I believe Clara’s brother August farmed one of the J.W. Johnson properties at one point. Clara herself lived with the Johnson family in Laramie as a kind of nanny or housemaid before she married P.W. Also recall that P.W.’s mother Johanna expressed some concern about Clara having worked for J.W. for too long.
J.W. wrote this letter upon learning of the death of Augusta Charlotta (Brodd) Nelson, Clara’s older sister. She died on February 9, 1916 at the age of 41. The cause of death was “Euremic Poisoning” – an illness caused by kidney failure.
February 16, 1916
P.W. Pearson
Ceresco, Nebr.Dear Clara and Will:-
I have just returned from Denver where I went last Thursday. I received your sad telegram when I was ready to leave, and would liked to have been at the funeral, but on account of my rheumatism it was impossible for me to make the trip at this time of the year.
I extend my heartfelt sympathy to all the folks interested on the sad news, and trust you will offer them my sympathies when you see them.
I called on Karl Nelson’s sister in Denver. She was heartbroken when she learned of the sad
news, and could not offer any words.I inclose herewith a draft for $2.00 which is to pay for the flowers which Evelyn telegraphed you to put on the coffin.
We have not heard from you folks for some time and hope you will drop a line when you have time and let us know how everything is going.
We are having very clear warm weather, of course, with cool evenings, but no snow or wind to speak of, and trust you are not troubled with bad weather.
With best wishes to all the folks, I am, Very truly yours,
